Filters and polarizers are essential tools for landscape photographers who want to enhance the colors, contrast, and mood of their wide-angle shots. However, using them with wide-angle lenses can pose some challenges and require some adjustments. In this article, you will learn how to use filters and polarizers with wide-angle lenses effectively and avoid common pitfalls.
Filters and polarizers can help you control the exposure, balance the dynamic range, and reduce unwanted reflections and glare in your landscape photos. For example, you can use a graduated neutral density (GND) filter to darken the sky and prevent it from being overexposed, or a circular polarizer (CPL) to deepen the blue of the sky and remove the haze. Filters and polarizers can also create dramatic effects, such as smoothing the water or enhancing the foliage.
A CPL is also essential for removing unwanted reflections and specular highlights. This can add a depth of color that may be very pleasing depending upon your intent. It can also let you see into water, revealing rocks, reef, and wildlife that would have otherwise been obscured by the reflections. Once you are more advanced, you can use Photoshop to blend multiple exposures and control which areas are affected by the CPL, leaving the highlights you want and removing the ones you don’t. This gets tricky on a windy day or with long exposures but it can still be used when applied thoughtfully.
The first thing you need to consider when choosing filters and polarizers for your wide-angle lenses is the size and type of the filter holder. You can either use a screw-on filter that attaches directly to the front of your lens, or a slot-in filter that slides into a holder that mounts on your lens. Screw-on filters are simpler and more compact, but they limit your options and may cause vignetting. Slot-in filters are more versatile and allow you to stack multiple filters, but they are more bulky and expensive.
Vignetting is a common problem when using filters and polarizers with wide-angle lenses, especially when stacking them. Vignetting is the darkening of the corners and edges of your image, which can reduce the quality and impact of your photo. To avoid vignetting, you need to use filters and polarizers that are compatible with your lens and filter holder, and avoid using too many or too thick filters. You can also use a slim or low-profile filter holder that reduces the distance between the filter and the lens.
A good way to avoid vignetting is to use a step-up ring that adapts filters larger than the diameter of your largest lens. For example, if your largest lens is 77mm, use 82mm filters with a step-up ring.
Using filters and polarizers with wide-angle lenses can affect the exposure of your photo, depending on the type and strength of the filter. For example, a GND filter can reduce the light by 1 to 4 stops, while a CPL can reduce it by 1 to 2 stops. To compensate for the loss of light, you need to adjust your aperture, shutter speed, or ISO accordingly. You can use a light meter or your camera's histogram to measure the exposure and avoid underexposing or overexposing your photo.
I find it as quick while shooting landscapes, to review the screen and then increase or decrease exposure levels. Normally with 2 or 3 adjustments I have a much improved capture. Then too there are post editing techniques if shot in RAW for a final levels management
Aligning the filters and polarizers with your wide-angle lenses is crucial for achieving the desired effect and avoiding unwanted distortions. For example, you need to align the horizon line with the transition line of your GND filter to avoid darkening or lightening parts of your scene unevenly. You also need to rotate your CPL to find the optimal angle that maximizes the polarization effect and minimizes the flare. You can use your viewfinder or live view to check the alignment and fine-tune it as needed.
Filters and polarizers are delicate and expensive accessories that need proper care and maintenance. To clean them, you need to use a soft cloth or a special cleaning solution that removes dust, fingerprints, and smudges without scratching or damaging the coating. To store them, you need to use a protective case or pouch that prevents them from breaking or cracking. You should also avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or humidity that can affect their performance and longevity.